Nestled in the Himalayas, Uttarakhand is one of India’s most beautiful states. With majestic mountains, sacred shrines, pristine lakes and lush valleys, Uttarakhand has an abundance of natural beauty and cultural heritage waiting to be explored.
Here is an unforgettable 7-day itinerary to help you make the most out of your Uttarakhand trip.
Day 1: Arrive in Dehradun
Kickstart your Uttarakhand tour by arriving in Dehradun, the state’s capital. Spend the day exploring local markets and sampling delicious Uttarakhand cuisine.
Try garlic noodles, lentil fritters and sweet rice balls laden with dry fruits.
Day 2: Drive from Dehradun to Mussoorie
On day 2, embark on a scenic 1.5 hour drive from Dehradun to Mussoorie, the Queen of the Hills. Enjoy mesmerizing views of the Shivalik ranges and Doon valley along the way.
Once in Mussoorie, take a walk along the Mall Road and enjoy the nostalgic charm of the hill station. Visit Gun Hill and Kempty Falls and enjoy peaceful walks through oak and rhododendron forests.
Day 3: Visit Dhanaulti & Surkanda Devi
Drive from Mussoorie to the quiet hill town of Dhanaulti, situated amidst thick deodar forests. Explore scenic eco parks and visit the potato farms that Dhanaulti is famous for.
Next, embark on a 2 hour hike up to Surkanda Devi Temple, which offers panoramic views of the Himalayas. The temple is dedicated to goddess Sati and is especially revered.
Day 4: Drive from Mussoorie to Rishikesh
On day 4, make your way to Rishikesh, the popular yoga capital of India. Stop at various points along the way like Waterfalls and Lakes to click pictures.
Once in Rishikesh, meditate at one of the many ashrams, take a dip in the holy Ganges, or try river rafting in the rapids. Rishikesh offers a mix of adventure and spiritualism.
Day 5: Explore Rishikesh
Spend the whole day exploring attractions in and around Rishikesh. Start your day with a peaceful yoga session on the banks of the Ganges.
In the evening, attend the divine Ganga Aarti ceremony at Parmarth Niketan or Triveni Ghat. Indulge your taste buds with delicious local cuisine and shop for exquisite handicrafts and souvenirs.
Day 6: Drive from Rishikesh to Haridwar
On day 6, drive 45 mins from Rishikesh to the ancient Hindu pilgrimage town of Haridwar.
Take a dip in the holy Ganges at Hari-ki-Pauri ghat and watch the enthralling evening aarti ceremony.
Haridwar is one of the four sites where drops of the elixir of immortality accidentally spilled over from a pitcher, hence it is considered sacred.
Day 7: Explore Haridwar
On your last day, explore the temples and rich culture of Haridwar. Start your day with a visit to iconic Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi temples accessible by cable car.
In the evening, walk around the vibrant local markets. Shop for Rudraksha beads, spiritual stones, herbal products, and temple souvenirs. Don’t forget to pack the famous Haridwar laddoos for your family and friends back home.
Uttarakhand’s divine beauty, adventure, and sacred heritage makes for an unforgettable travel experience.
Follow this 7-day itinerary for an amazing trip that provides a perfect blend of nature, culture, spirituality and history. Let the breathtaking beauty seep into your senses and rejuvenate your soul.
